Travel Essentials

Hong Kong: What To Know Before You Go

Plugs: Type G, 220 V. Emergency: One number for everything 999. Tipping: Not required; restaurants add a 10% service charge, and small change is fine for taxis. Tap water: Tap water is treated and safe, though many people filter it.

Open The Hong Kong Trip Kit

Plugs And Power

Type G, 220 V

Emergency Numbers

One number for everything

999

Checked 13 Oct 2026 against the official page: gov.uk

Tipping

Not required; restaurants add a 10% service charge, and small change is fine for taxis.

Water And Health

Tap water: Tap water is treated and safe, though many people filter it
Vaccines: Routine vaccines (including measles), hepatitis A, hepatitis B for unvaccinated travelers under 60; consider typhoid
Malaria: None

Checked 13 Oct 2026 against the official page: wwwnc.cdc.gov

Apps To Download Before You Go

Octopus: The tap-and-go card and phone wallet for MTR, buses, ferries, trams and many shops; the Octopus app works on phones.
MTR Mobile: Subway maps, journey planning and live train times.
Citybus / KMB: Bus routes and arrival times; KMB and Citybus are the big bus companies.
HKTaxi: Book urban taxis; Uber also works.
Alipay HK / WeChat Pay HK: Widely accepted by shops and restaurants; Visa and Mastercard tap-to-pay work almost everywhere.
Foodpanda / Deliveroo: Food delivery from restaurants and street-food shops.
WhatsApp: Main messaging app for friends, businesses and tours.
HK Airport: Flight times, gate info and Airport Express details for Chek Lap Kok.

Customs And Etiquette

Greetings. A light handshake and a nod are normal for first meetings, with a smile. Hugs and cheek kisses are uncommon with people you don't know well.

Chopsticks. Do not stick chopsticks upright in rice; rest them on the holder or bowl.

Tea thanks. When someone pours you tea, tap two fingers on the table to say thank you.

Queueing and escalators. Stand on the right of escalators, and let passengers off before boarding the MTR.

Safety And Scams

Hong Kong has low violent crime and is generally very safe, though busy areas have pickpockets.

Pickpockets in crowds. Keep bags closed in markets, the MTR and tourist areas.

Overcharging taxis. Make sure the meter is running, and keep small bills ready.

Fake rental or investment offers. Be wary of messages that promise easy money or unusually cheap deals.

Women travelers. Generally safe for women traveling alone, including at night in busy areas.

LGBTQ+ Travelers

Legal · Mostly Safe

Same-sex activity is legal and the city has an active LGBTQ+ scene, but same-sex marriage is not recognized and public attitudes are mixed.

What Things Cost

Coffee (café)	HKD 35	$4.50
Local bus or metro ride	HKD 12	$1.55
Mid-range restaurant meal	HKD 150	$19
Hostel bed / budget room (night)	HKD 400	$51
Mid-range hotel (night)	HKD 1,300	$167
Daily budget, mid-range traveler	HKD 1,100	$140

2026-09

Best Time To Visit

October to December is the best time, with sunny, cooler weather; summer is hot, humid and typhoon season.

Do You Need A Visa?

Hong Kong visa requirements by nationality

Phrases

Basic Chinese (Cantonese) phrases · Basic English phrases · Basic Chinese phrases